The Valencia Conference Centre has renovated the seats in its Auditoriums 1 and 2

After 24 years of use, 3,100 events and 2.3 million attendees, we have refurbished the seating in Auditoriums 1 and 2. To do so we needed a design to integrate all elements, in which the different pieces were coherent with the image put across by the building itself, as well as with the different spaces. In addition, the project demanded the highest quality materials, along with a functionality and versatility in line with the needs of current conference activity.

Another of the challenges was bring the architecture of the auditoriums up to standard and maintaining and improving the excellent visibility and acoustic features of the rooms. With an added complexity, this had to be done in a limited and specific timeframe - two months - so as not to interfere with the activities scheduled for September.

The focus of the design proposals had to justify and transmit the building’s image of modernity, openness, light and Mediterranean character. Thus, the change allows time to be saved in dismantling chairs and creates an open area to enable, for example, the extension of the stage or the provision of open spaces at certain key points in the auditoriums, with the aim of improving the service offered.

To select the best product for this technically complex project, we worked hand in hand with a strategic partner, the Instituto de Biomecánica de Valencia (IBV). The IBV advised us on each of the criteria depending on a judgement of value as well as the technical solvency of the bidders, and quality of the products on offer, placing the main focus on comfort and usability and creating a cooperative link to guarantee the overall result of the process, from the stage prior to the publication of the specifications to the final verification of all the equipment installed.

In the initial stage, the IBV drafted the technical conditions of the specification under the premise of guaranteeing that the characteristics, requirements and evaluations included were the most apt for the correct selection of products and that they were adapted to the highest level of quality.

Throughout the project, the IBV undertook the management and analysis of the samples, as well as the associated technical documentation. During the experimental stages, the most important work was the analysis of comfort and ergonomics of the sample seating presented by bidding companies. To do this, studies with users in simulated environments were undertaken. In these, up to 50 people conducted use tests to assess the comfort of the samples offered, which lasted from 10 to 90 minutes. In addition, the ergonomic evaluation of each of the models presented, usability tests of fold out writing surfaces and desks, as well as the analysis of the pressures that each of the seats exerted on each participant when used, were carried out. With this information, the IBV drew up the technical report with the scores awarded to each bidding company in the criteria subject to evaluation, with the winning bid being the one submitted by Ascénder S.L.

Finally, the Instituto also took part in verifying the receipt, installation and - once installed - checks to ensure that they complied with all aspects of the specifications and those set out in the bid that was awarded the work.

José Solaz, scientific director of the IBV, talks about the pillars under which the reform of the stalls and balconies of Auditoriums 1 and 2 was planned.

“The IBV has developed protocols and tests to compare the seats from the point of view of comfort, usability and ergonomics. In these tests, we obtain subjective evaluations from a group of users with different sizes, shapes and modes of use, and we also obtain objective values that allow us to rank the seats in terms of comfort and usability".

After the comparison and the study undertaken the conclusion was reached that the seating of Ascénder S.L. far surpassed the standards set out in the specifications of comfort and ergonomics.

The result of this investment, which rose to 997,131 euros, is a proposal aimed at wellbeing and efficiency, including innovation, style and quality, and strengthening the top features, e.g., the acoustics, of the space, turning it into a new experience for the senses. This is why we are so proud of the work undertaken!

We are talking about spacious seats, with measurements exceeding the standard size. Their dimensions have made it possible to improve visibility of the stage. The seats have a slow and silent folding system, avoiding interruptions when someone stands up. They are also ergonomic, with high quality breathable fabric. The upright design of the seat, the trapezoidal sides and the absence of elements that impede the passage between rows, offer a perspective of curved lines and clean aisles, which can be moved through comfortably.

The amount of time (and money) saved in the mounting and dismounting of the seats in this project stands out. They have been designed so it is not necessary to remove an entire row to take out one chair, but, above all, for quick action.

Moreover, thanks to the efficient work carried out by the company awarded the contract, it was possible to complete the installation of the seats and carpets within the two months as planned, without altering the calendar of events at the Centre.